Chapter 5 A new era of recruits
The team finally regrouped at the all-verse Paradox, enveloped in the cacophony of chaos echoing around them.
Jacob quipped, "How on earth did we manage to locate this guy again?"
Chandra, seeking respite, muttered, "I'm just going to head to sleep."
Terence and Alexander exchanged a glance, their expressions conveying completion.
Oscar affirmed, "It's done."
Jacob, taken aback by the solemnity, remarked, "No need to be so serious, guys."
Imrage interjected with a hint of frustration, "I lost something because of this."
Jacob, echoing Imrage' sentiment, asserted, "So did I! But that's no excuse to lose focus. We need to keep moving forward."
Imrage reluctantly agreed, "Fine."
Oscar chimed in, "You lost one. We can't afford to lose everything."
Jacob's gaze lingered on Imrage, who seemed unfazed.
Imrage retorted, "I'm making your mind work!"
Jacob retorted, "I'm going to silly slap you into the next universe, I swear! Anyway, how was your adventure, Alexander and Terence?"
Alexander recounted, "This guy lost to a girl."
Terence, defensively, exclaimed, "I WASN'T PAYING ATTENTION! But we still emerged victorious. Our adversary attempted to mimic powers, including yours, Jacob, but failed miserably."
Jacob reflected, "I had a moment of clarity during my battle. We're not strong enough to defeat Dr. Howard yet."
Imrage doubted, "You're kidding me. He only has basic planet-manipulating powers. Together, we can take him down."
Jacob shook his head, "Not anymore. Our delay allowed him access to the chromatic hand of creation or maybe he always had that and not only that but as well as our lack of knowledge i learned of his true power"
Imrage pondered, "Aren't those just myths? I heard they don't exist."
Suddenly, an orange figure burst forth from Jacob's body, only to be swiftly dispatched by Paradox's shotgun.
The team stood in stunned silence, unsure which was more disconcerting: Paradox's sudden weaponry or Jacob's unexpected "birthing" experience.
Alexander: What the Heck just happened?
Jacob admitted, "I'm not sure either."
A voice emerged from the dissipating figure, introducing itself as Bravery before being repeatedly attacked by Paradox.
Bravery, frustrated, pleaded, "STOP IT, WILL YOU!"
Paradox jumped back revealing a rpg and hos tit at bravery again dissipating it
Bravery: ALRIGHT ENOUGH!
Bravery thrusted his hand backwards and shot it forward creating a wind gust that flung paradox back
As the dust settled, Paradox confessed, "You scaweed me."
Bravery: Yeah, I'm out of here headin back. Sorry, Jacob. The soul returns to Jacob's body.
Jacob sighed, "Honestly, where is 'back'? Never mind. I'm off to recruit another member. You guys stay put and practice. It's our best shot at preparing for the inevitable showdown imrage you got anyone? Imrage: I know of someone named Joshua. They're supposed to be quite powerful with lightning abilities. Our mission now is to recruit as many allies as possible until we're ready for the final battle right? Jacob: Yes, I need to get going. Keep practicing and stay vigilant especially for him"
Paradox chanted in the background, "SPLOSION SPPLSOISON SPLOSION."
Imrage nodded, "We'll try."
Jacob scratched his head, "Alright then, I'll catch you later. Uh, how do I even leave from here?"
Perseverance appeared behind Jacob
Perseverance: here let me help you out
Jacob: Wait hold on where are we landi-!
Jacob feel through the sky and landed face first into the ground
"Ouch, that actually hurt..." Jacob grumbled.
Bravery chimed in, "Don't worry about it."
Jacob retorted, "Please, stop doing that. And since when did you start showing up and well actually talking more?"
Bravery replied, "Oh, come on, don't play dumb. Ever since you brought in those other traits, we can't even find peace in the mindscape anymore strange enough though we learned we could manifest when were forced out by a black blob ."
Jacob frowned, "What do you mean by mindscape and other traits,black blob!??"
Bravery warned, "Watch out!"
Kindness swiftly intervened, creating a shield to deflect an incoming knife aimed at Jacob.
Perseverance urged, "Pay attention!"
Jacob: not good i just got done fighting i don't feel regenerated enough for this one.
With the dust settling, Jacob decided it was time to join his allies. "I should probably go after that. They're likely in multiples and in nearby groups since the allies of these attackers may have heard the fighting they could be coming here. We need to go right now. Wait, when did I become so analytical?"
Perseverance explained, "Go, those are my thoughts!"
As Jacob hurried off, he questioned the intrusion of the other traits.
Jacob: So what exactly by other traits do you mean?
Patience reassured, "We can co-exist with them; they're just different.
Bravery insisted, "Let me fight them!"
Perseverance countered, "We can still co-exist."
Integrity added, "I'm trying to be honest with them, but they won't listen..."
Perseverance:Problem is they encroach on our space whatever side we have no clashes with a dark room and they bother us inside the mind scape
Justice interjected, "And they aren't trustworthy either. They're stealing our space..."
Jacob sighed, "You're in the mindscape; just summon your stuff back.
Kindness:does not work that way. It's like living with evil siblings. I can't take it..."
Integrity offered comfort, saying, "There, there, it's okay."
Perseverance pointed out, "See, she has to comfort her to keep her stable. Jacob, what are these traits?"
Jacob frustratedly exclaimed, "Okay, well, listen up. I DON'T KNOW!"
Bravery questioned, "You brought them into the mindscape; how do you not KNOW?"
Jacob recalled, "I had an idea when the inspector handed me the chromatic hand of destruction. That must've been it. It was infused with so many traits of destruction. I can only assume that's what allowed them to enter the mindscape."
Perseverance pondered, "Are we forced to deal with this now?"
Jacob reluctantly confirmed, "Yes...? Maybe we can agree to force the traits out somehow."
Bravery volunteered, "I'll handle it."
Perseverance warned, "Don't be stupid!"
Kindness intervened softly, "Be kind."
Bravery persisted, "I got this," bravery entered but was swiftly flung out of the mind scape
Perseverance suggested, "Let me talk to them then."
Integrity advised, "Be truthful in your complaints, and maybe they will listen," but Perseverance was also flung out.
Justice attempted to take charge, let me do this "Okay, that didn't work..."
Kindness proposed, "What if we handle it?"
Integrity agreed, "We've got this. If we're nice and not reckless like their aggressive stance , we can do it."
The traits in Jacob's mindscape struggled intensely to expel the intruders but eventually succeeded in getting their physical forms out.
Jacob confronted the traits Jacob: who are you, what are you, where did you come from?!Traits: "Who are these imbeciles? You absorbed us and didn't even know what you absorbed... Fear, guilt, and anger. That's it, that's who we are, good luck trying to meet the rest of us . We have no intention to talk to you or anyone else anymore neither do any of the other traits .`` The traits returned to Jacob's body.
Jacob sighed, "At this point, I have multiples of everything. It's so confusing to keep track, even for me. Perseverance, get me out of here, please. We'll return to this later..."
Perseverance complied, opening a purple portal, and Jacob fell through, landing with a groan.
Jacob complained, "Ow, Perseverance, every time I fall, does it have to be from the sky? Seriously."
Perseverance replied, "Right. Anyway, good luck. You're on your own here. We still have to figure out those other traits..."
Jacob protested, "You can't just leave me here! Come on, that's upsetting. Anyway, I suppose there's some importance here. I'll turn on my sword's explosion light. I can't see anything in this cavern." Jacob ventured forth and discovered a story written on the wall, piquing his interest.
Once upon a time, there was a duo. They were the best of friends and did everything basic together. They supported each other in everything they did, laughed, and suffered. These two were named Jimmy and Robert; both were like essential siblings repeatedly suffering the same trials and tribulations. Nothing could break their bond, but disaster struck one day. Their world was attacked by something evil. Their world was left destroyed, their life turned to ashes, and it was all gone. Of course, Robert believes in redemption and says to Jimmy, "I know that our world was destroyed, but please, this is no reason to go around killing things." Jimmy responded, "That thing that you want to show mercy to has killed everything. If you don't see the threat, I don't need you anymore. You are weak and useless. You never did anything for me". "But we did everything together. How could you just-" *Jimmy sighed and walked off. Jimmy sought revenge and broke his ties with him, and they never talked again until one day.
Robert: So this is where you have been hiding…
Jimmy: Oh? Yay, you found me. And what did you plan on doing when you saw me? Stopping me?
Robert: No, not simply stopping you. I've seen the carnage you've been leaving in your wake. You can't keep acting like the one who attacked us. It doesn't justify your actions.
Jimmy: Stop me, then. I was planning on you trying to kill me anyway. Let's see what my new powers can do.
The sun suddenly shone as the two brothers met at the journey's end. Was this the end for them?
Jimmy teleported behind Robert and stopped time. He raised his fist and prepared to deliver a killing blow. But Robert was ready for him. He had sensed Jimmy's presence and activated his earth magic, creating a protective barrier around himself.
Jimmy's fist slammed into the barrier, but it held firm. Robert wasted no time. He thrust his spear at Jimmy, but Jimmy was too quick. He teleported away, appearing behind Robert once more.
Robert whirled around, his spear flashing in the sunlight. Jimmy dodged the blow and countered with a flurry of his own. The two brothers clashed in a blur of steel and magic.
Robert was a skilled fighter, but Jimmy's teleportation and time manipulation gave him a significant advantage. Jimmy danced around Robert, landing blows with ease. Robert was forced to defend himself but knew he couldn't keep it up for long.
Suddenly, Jimmy stopped time again. He appeared in front of Robert and raised his knife to deliver the final blow. But Robert was prepared. He had been saving his strength for this moment.
With a mighty roar, Robert unleashed a blast of earth magic that shattered the frozen time around him. Jimmy was caught off guard and was blasted away.
Robert took advantage of Jimmy's disorientation and charged at him. He swung his spear wildly, but Jimmy was still too quick for him. He dodged the blows and teleported behind Robert again.
Robert knew that he had to find a way to counter Jimmy's teleportation. He closed his eyes and focused his energy. He summoned the power of the earth and created a massive gravitational field around him.
Jimmy tried to teleport away, but the gravitational field was too strong. He was trapped. Robert opened his eyes and smiled.
"It's over, Jimmy," he said.
"It is high time for you to face the repercussions of your actions, to truly understand the pain you've caused. Once, we were allies, poised to save the world together, but now that opportunity has slipped away. It seems you'll bear the burden of consequences alone.
*With a forceful thrust, he impales Jimmy's soul with his spear, shattering it momentarily before time resets.*
Oh, naive one, remember who I am. I've transcended the frailty of youth; I am something you cannot comprehend. It's almost amusing to think you could grasp it, but regardless, your time has come.
*Time freezes, and Jimmy races around, relentlessly attacking Robert. Despite Robert's efforts to stop the onslaught, he's powerless to intervene. As time resumes, Robert collapses to his knees. Jimmy teleports in front, snatching the spear, then behind, hurling it. But Jimmy's piercing gaze meets Robert's, and he retaliates, sending him crashing through trees.*
Now, Robert charges at Jimmy, seizing him and relentlessly stabbing. Yet, Jimmy summons one final move, a portal unleashing a torrent of weapons. As he weakens, Jimmy's voice trembles: "All I sought was vengeance for our world, Robert. I can't fathom your forgiveness or mercy. You fail to grasp this pain, just as everyone has. Forget me and perish!"
*Time freezes, darkness descends, then a radiant light pierces through. Robert, near death, speaks: "Try harder next time. How sorrowful this is. I've always shown mercy, but without reciprocation, kindness fades. Let's dance, old friend." His eye glows anew, a smile breaking through. "I'll relish this."*
*Brandishing his spear, Robert summons rocks, pummeling Jimmy. He leaps, thrusting the spear into Jimmy's heart.*
Jacob: That was unexpected.
Unknown Figure: That's a tale of me. The world's at peace, but I miss him. Despite his reasons, he should've faced consequences. He was the light that kept our world alive, and without light, there's no shadow.
"It brought ruin in its pursuit of harmony. The world craves balance, devoid of darkness. A single controller is no different... But I digress. Who are you?"
Jacob: "I'm here to enlist you for a cause..."
Robert: "And what might that be?"
Jacob: "I need your aid to contain Dr. Howard..."
Robert: "Who is Dr. Howard?"
Jacob: "It's a lengthy, tedious tale, and I don't have all the details. But there were once two close friends, the inspector and Dr. Howard, a creator of countless universes, until my emergence. My arrival seemed to anger Dr. Howard. The inspector warned me that he'd stop at nothing to hunt me down and eliminate me. As a child, I knew of this threat, but it didn't weigh heavily until the day he invaded our galaxy, destroying everything in his wake. We fought valiantly but were defeated. I found myself washed up on a beach, and the rest, well, you'll need to meet the team for that. I believe you'll find it intriguing."
Robert: "I'm sorry, but no."
Jacob: "What? Why?"
Robert: "I bear no grudge against him. Eliminating him would make me no different from my brother Jimmy. I intervened with him because he was straying down a dark path, a tragic figure."
*Jacob's demeanor shifted, his smile turning a sinister red. Hatred consumed him as he charged at Robert. Jacob: Well I did not come all the way over here for nothing right? Robert swiftly summoned his spear, piercing Jacob's head, but it didn't deter him. Jacob rose, sword in hand, slashing relentlessly.*
"You're one of his lackeys, come to repeat the past, huh? Not this time. I won't let you dismantle my connections!"
*Thousands of meteors rained from the sky.*
Jacob, in his hateful form, mocked, "That's not how I recall the story. Weren't they just small rocks? Ah well, not every book's judged by its cover!"
Robert countered, "People evolve over time, i fool..."
*Jacob leaped, his sword turning midnight black usually a bright pink , draining life from everything it touched.*
"I'll obliterate every living thing on this desolate planet, resetting it to zero!"
*Suddenly, the hatred waned, and a plea for understanding emerged.*
Kindness intervened, "WAIT! Please, it's not his fault. Let me explain!"
Robert: "What do you mean, he's a threat that needs swift execution! He just destroyed asteroids in a single leap."
*The green figure appears.*
Kindness: "Listen, he's here seeking assistance. He holds vital information, Robert."
Robert: "Then wake him up."
*Kindness nudges Jacob.*
Kindness: "Jacob, wake up!"
Jacob: "Huh? Oh, Robert. What's going on? Oh right, you declined. No worries. I was hoping you'd reconsider. That's all. I'll see you around."
Robert: "Wait, your green companion mentioned you know who attacked my world. Who was it?"
Jacob: "Remember Dr. Howard? He seeks my power to control a crucial aspect of the universe or this all verse which i'm not quite sure on what it is fully. He's after me, destroying things in search of me."
Robert: "So you're the target?"
Jacob: "Not willingly. I was just a child when it started. Now, I need to stop him, but I need help. My power alone won't match his. Will you join me?"
Robert: "Fine, count me in. But don't think for a second I'll lower my guard. That smile thing, whatever it is, if it surfaces again, I'll strike."
Jacob: "Understood. I'll keep it in check."
Robert: "Who else is on your team?"
Jacob: "Let me tell you. We've got Oscar, a swordsman; Terence, a wielder of light; Imrage, our comic relief; Alexander, a formidable fighter with solar-infused armor and sword; Paradox, an enigma; and me. We've got more recruits planned, each from varied universes, but explaining that might take a while."
Perseverance: "You're welcome. With enhanced power, we can achieve more."
Bravery: "It's amazing!"
Robert: "More of those entities with you, huh? What's your deal, a guy with multiple personalities?"
Jacob: "Each of them embodies a different trait and possesses unique powers. It's complex, but you'll see it in battle."
Robert: "It's mind-blowing to think there are more out there. I thought life was sparse after I discovered my powers. But a whole universe?"
Jacob: "Actually, it's an all-verse. Each universe has its own reality. We start from normalized power, what a planet usually offers. Each universe operates under its own set of laws."
Perseverance: "I couldn't trust you before, but now I can. Congrats."
Jacob: (wait, how do I know this?)
Perseverance:(with the greater amount of power we have available i can process things at a much faster pace and i also gained some recollection of something yet its very foggy from the hand when it was united )
Robert: "Hey, are you okay? You kinda just stopped explaining..."
Jacob: "Yeah, sorry about that. So, as I was saying, normalcy is what the universe has planned for you. Once your power extends beyond that, say to the solar system, we call it power of the system. Moving further, when you wield power over your galaxy, it's galactic power. And beyond that, multi-galactic power encompasses control over any galaxy within your universe. Moving up, universal power gives control over the universe itself, shaping its reality. And then, there's control over the Multi-verse, a high-level threat. Finally, there's the ultimate, all-versal power, the ability to create or destroy multi-verses and manipulate true reality itself. Not much is understood beyond this. I'm not even sure i got alot right i know theres most likley more..."
Robert: "Wow, I didn't follow all of that, but thanks anyway."
Jacob: "YOU MADE ME EXPLAIN ALL OF THAT!"
Robert: "Yeah, but at least you tried..."
Jacob: "Well, there's not much else to do. So, will you join my merry band of weirdos?"
Robert: "Yes, but on one condition: I handle Dr. Howard myself."
Jacob: "Engaging with Dr. Howard alone is incredibly risky, Robert. You can't!"
Robert: "I won't join unless you agree."
Jacob: "Even if it risks your life?"
Robert: "Yes. I didn't understand my brother's reasons then, so I must confront Dr. Howard myself it was him."
Jacob: "Okay, fine. But remember, it's on you if things go south."
Robert: "I know. So, will you permit me to take on Dr. Howard whenever I choose?"
Jacob: "Not whenever; you'll need self-control."
Robert: *(I need Jacob's knowledge about Dr. Howard, so I should stick with him until I can confront Dr. Howard myself)* "Alright, fine. I'll join your team."
Jacob: "Great to hear! Let's introduce you to the team, shall we?"
*They teleport through the perseverance portal and arrive.*
Jacob: "Before meeting the others, you already have a teammate, paradoxically named Paradox. He's a bit... unstable."
Robert: "I can handle that!"
Jacob: "Good luck..."
*They approach the team.*
Imrage: "Heya, you're back! Welcome. Who's this?"
Jacob: "This is Robert."
Robert: "Nice to meet you. Are you the wild one Jacob mentioned?"
Imrage: "Oh, Jacob didn't tell you? That's not me; your teammate's up ahead."
Robert: "Hey, are you Paradox?"
Paradox: "A new friend! Hehehe! I had a friend who loved chaos until that man came. My friend... taught me. But now, shark to shark, you've come. BYE BYE."
*Robert finds himself transported into a spinning world.*
Robert: "Jacob, please switch me out. The power here scares me."
Jacob: "You agreed to join our team. I'm sorry."
Robert: "Great, so I'm stuck with the wild card and don't even know what's happening. I'm scared."
Jacob: "Well, you can back out if you want."
Robert: "No, I'm sticking with it."
Jacob: "Suit yourself. We still have more to recruit. This isn't the end."
Chapter 5 end